Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) leaps into the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown run against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) leaps into the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown run against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017,

Houston Texans defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (91) high fives fans as he leaves the field following the Texans 27-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in

Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) hands the ball off to running back Lamar Miller (26) during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) hands the ball off to running back Lamar Miller (26) during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) is hit by Carolina Panthers linebacker David Mayo (55) during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) is hit by Carolina Panthers linebacker David Mayo (55) during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9,

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks past Texans head coach Bill O'Brien during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) drops back to pass with Carolina Panthers defensive end Larry Webster (94) rushing during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is hit by Carolina Panthers inside linebacker Jared Norris (52) during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday,

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) laughs as he talks to referee Tony Corrente (99) during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017,

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes the football during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes the football during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017,

Houston Texans running back D'Onta Foreman (27) is hit by Carolina Panthers linebacker Jeremy Cash (57) after making a catch during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans running back D'Onta Foreman (27) is hit by Carolina Panthers linebacker Jeremy Cash (57) after making a catch during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is greeted by Carolina Panthers inside linebacker Ben Boulware after the Panthers 27-17 win in an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on

Carolina Panthers defensive back Damian Parms (25) beaks up a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Chris Thompson (14) during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton embrace after the Panthers 27-17 win in an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9,

Houston Texans wide receiver Chris Thompson (14) leaps to make a catch with Carolina Panthers defensive back Jeff Richards (39) defending during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of

Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) and quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) talk on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of

Houston Texans defensive end Matt Godin (69) tackles Carolina Panthers running back Jalen Simmons (38) during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug.

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien challenged a call during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien challenged a call during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in

Houston Texans quarterback Brandon Weeden (5) scrambles out of the pocket against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans quarterback Brandon Weeden (5) scrambles out of the pocket against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug.

Houston Texans wide receiver Riley McCarron (83) returns a kick against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017,

Fans cheer during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game between the Houston Texans and the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Fans cheer during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game between the Houston Texans and the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer /

Carolina Panthers running back Jalen Simmons (38) breaks past the Houston Texans defense during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien gathers his defense on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien gathers his defense on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday,

Houston Texans center Greg Mancz (65) picks up quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) after he was sacked by the Carolina Panthers defense during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans center Greg Mancz (65) picks up quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) after he was sacked by the Carolina Panthers defense during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) takes a shotgun snap against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9,

Houston Texans running back D'Onta Foreman (27) breaks away from Carolina Panthers defensive back Devonte Johnson (33) on a run down the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans running back D'Onta Foreman (27) breaks away from Carolina Panthers defensive back Devonte Johnson (33) on a run down the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) talks to referee Tony Corrente (99) during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Austin Duke (16) makes a catch in front of Houston Texans cornerback Malik Smith (36) during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on

Houston Texans watch the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game between the Texans and the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans watch the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game between the Texans and the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer /

Houston Texans running back D'Onta Foreman (27) breaks away from Carolina Panthers defensive back Devonte Johnson (33) on a run down the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans running back D'Onta Foreman (27) breaks away from Carolina Panthers defensive back Devonte Johnson (33) on a run down the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) leaps into the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown run against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) leaps into the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown run against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America

Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) is tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive back Teddy Williams (21) after making a reception during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) is tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive back Teddy Williams (21) after making a reception during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of

Carolina Panthers running back Cameron Artis-Payne (34) is tripped up by Houston Texans defensive back Marcus Gilchrist (21) during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Carolina Panthers running back Cameron Artis-Payne (34) is tripped up by Houston Texans defensive back Marcus Gilchrist (21) during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) high fives fans after scoring on a 15-yard run during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) high fives fans after scoring on a 15-yard run during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) breaks out of the pocket on his way to a 15-yard touchdown run against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) breaks out of the pocket on his way to a 15-yard touchdown run against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) breaks out of the pocket against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) breaks out of the pocket against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9,

Houston Texans running back Akeem Hunt (33) makes a reception in front of Carolina Panthers linebacker Ben Jacobs (53) during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on

Houston Texans running back D'Onta Foreman (27) is hit by Carolina Panthers linebacker Ben Jacobs (53) as he runs the ball during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans running back D'Onta Foreman (27) is hit by Carolina Panthers linebacker Ben Jacobs (53) as he runs the ball during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium

Referee Tony Corrente, center, reviews a play during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game between the Houston Texans and the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Referee Tony Corrente, center, reviews a play during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game between the Houston Texans and the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9,

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) avoids a sack as he breaks away from Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Blaine Clausell (76) during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks along the sidelines during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks along the sidelines during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer /

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks onto the field to play for the first time against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks onto the field to play for the first time against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) breaks away through Carolina Panthers free safety Colin Jones (42) for a 16-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) breaks away from Carolina Panthers defensive back Dezmen Southward (37) for a 16-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) breaks away from Carolina Panthers defensive back Dezmen Southward (37) for a 16-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank

Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) is tripped up by Carolina Panthers defensive back Dezmen Southward (37) during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on

Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) makes a catch against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) makes a catch against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in

Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9,

Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9,

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) rushes Carolina Panthers quarterback Derek Anderson (3) during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9,

Carolina Panthers long snapper J.J. Jansen (44) slaps hands with Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton as he jogs off the field during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Carolina Panthers long snapper J.J. Jansen (44) slaps hands with Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton as he jogs off the field during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker David Mayo (55) during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker David Mayo (55) during the first half of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9,

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) huddles the offense up during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) huddles the offense up during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9,

Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) runs onto the field before the Texans pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. (

Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins walks along the sidelines before the Texans pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in

Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans fans watch warm ups before the Texans pre-season football game against the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer /

Houston Texans quarterbacks Deshaun Watson (4) and Brandon Weeden (5) warm up before the Texans pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien watch his team warm up before the Texans pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien watch his team warm up before the Texans pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. (

Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) warms up before the Texans pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer /

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before the Texans pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett

Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) warms up before the Texans pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer /

Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) warms up before the Texans pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer /

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Damiere Byrd (18) beats Houston Texans defensive back Marcus Gilchrist (21) for an 8-yard touchdown reception during the third quarter of an NFL pre-season football game at Bank

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before the Texans pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett

Fans of Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson cheer on Watson before the Texans pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. (

Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) throws the football before the Texans pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. (

The Houston Texans run onto the field for warm ups before an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

The Houston Texans run onto the field for warm ups before an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer /

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the football before the Texans pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. (

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs onto the field before the Texans pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. (

Houston Texans offensive guard David Quessenberry, center, embraces his girlfriend, Maegan Cruse, left, and mother, Maureen as they surprise him on the field before the Texans pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans offensive guard David Quessenberry, center, embraces his girlfriend, Maegan Cruse, left, and mother, Maureen as they surprise him on the field before the Texans pre-season football game against

Houston Texans offensive guard David Quessenberry, left, embraces his girlfriend, Maegan Cruse, as she surprises him on the field before the Texans pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans offensive guard David Quessenberry, left, embraces his girlfriend, Maegan Cruse, as she surprises him on the field before the Texans pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank

Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins reaches out to make a catch before an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins reaches out to make a catch before an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte.

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt warms up before an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt warms up before an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston

Houston Texans tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz runs upheld after catching a football before an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz runs upheld after catching a football before an NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in

Houston Texans quarterback Brandon Weeden warms up before the Texans NFL pre-season football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, in Charlotte. ( Brett

Related

Savage looked like a starting quarterback - a pretty good one - in the NFL.

He completed his next nine passes, went 9-of-11 for 69 yards and managed the offense with confidence and poise for the rest of the first quarter.

He found a rhythm, and the rest of the offense followed suit.

Reliable option

Bill O'Brien has made it clear that Savage is the Texans starting quarterback.

In his first game action this year, he looked at ease in that position.

Savage hasn't said much about being the starter since O'Brien announced it on the night the Texans drafted Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson.

The chatter isn't going to stop. Watson looked great in his debut on Wednesday night, completing 15 of 25 passes for 179 yards and rushing for a 15-yard touchdown. Many think the rookie should get a shot at starting.

More Information

How the quarterbacks fared

Starter Tom Savage played the first three series before giving way to rookie Deshaun Watson, who played into the fourth quarter.

QB Comp./Att. Pct. Yds. Long Sacks/Yds. TD Int. Rating

Tom Savage 9/11 81.8 69 18 1/5 0 0 92.8

Deshaun Watson 15/25 60.0 179 34 3/15 0 0 81.9

It's understandable. Watson is the shiny, new toy. He is exciting, intriguing and could be the franchise quarterback the Texans have yearned for for years.

But for now, Watson is learning, growing and improving. The Texans are invested in building him up.

That leaves Savage.

His teammates and coaches have commented on how hard he's working. O'Brien has been complimentary of his presence in meetings. He's worked well with the other quarterbacks - Watson and Brandon Weeden.

He joked at practice in West Virginia the other day that he hasn't given many of the rookies on the team advice about playing in games because he's only played in four regular season ones in his three years in the league.

On Wednesday night in a stadium that was splattered with Clemson fans waiting to see Watson, Savage stepped up.

He didn't look amazing. There will be no Tom Brady comparisons any time soon.

But he did like a guy the Texans can rely on to keep getting better and to lead them when the season starts in a month.

Watson excites

Heading into Wednesday night's game, there were so many questions surrounding the quarterbacks.

All three have had good showings in camp, but seeing them on the field in Charlotte in a game setting answered some of those concerns.

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Jenny Dial Creech

Savage only played a quarter. That's all O'Brien needed to see. There was no need to risk anything by keeping him out longer. He will continue to be the guy in camp and will get more reps in the upcoming preseason games - the next in Houston on Aug. 19 against the Patriots.

The fans cloaked in Clemson orange at the game Wednesday got to see plenty of Watson.

Watson has been a reason for excitement since the moment he was drafted No. 12 overall by the Texans in April.

In his first appearance with the Texans, he did not disappoint.

It didn't take him long to calm down. And once he did, the athleticism, explosiveness and intelligence he displayed at Clemson was on display on the bigger stage.

Watson is the future of the Texans. And it's bright.

As well as he played on Wednesday night, though, nothing has changed.

Savage is the starter.

He may not be all season, but he's it for now. And that's not a decision to scoff at.

Ready now

Watson is going to be fun to watch. He's only going to get better. His potential is through the roof already.

Savage is a good option now. He, too, will improve. But he's ready to start now and gives the team time to work with their rookie.

Savage had a slow start Wednesday night. And for a few minutes, the quarterback woes that seem to hang over the Texans looked like they could be back.

But he quickly shook it off and found his way.

Right now, he's the starter.

And on Wednesday night, it looked like that could work out for the Texans.